How Much Does it Cost to Replace Brakes?

Posted on 6/28/2017

It should go without saying that your car's brakes are very important. They enable your vehicle to slow down and come to a stop, sometimes very suddenly in an emergency situation. The better condition your brakes are in, the safer you and your passengers will be.

At Fox Run Auto, we get asked all the time how much it will cost for someone to replace their brakes. A driver will hear some squeaking, screeching or squealing and automatically assume the brakes have gone bad. The answer is not that simple because there are a lot of factors to consider, and it's not always the brakes that are the problem.

Let's take a look at some of the different factors that come into play when talking about brake inspection, brake repair and brake replacement.

Different Brake Parts

Your car's brakes are made up of multiple components that all serve different functions. You have the brake pads, which naturally wear out with time and use. They should be checked regularly and replaced as needed. Then, you have the brake rotors, which are very important and should be inspected any time you bring your car in for regular service. Likewise, you have the brake fluid. Fluid leaks or old/burnt brake fluid could lead to bigger brake problems, so you'll always want to make sure it is maintained at proper levels.

Wear and Tear

Let's face it. Some drivers are harder on their brakes than others. Plus, you also have to consider the type of vehicle, your daily driving habits (hills, curves, weather, road conditions, stop-and-go traffic in the city, etc.) and the quality of the brake components themselves. Cheaper brake pads and rotors will usually wear out faster than those made of better quality materials. Depending on the quality of your brakes and the wear and tear you put on them, you may need to replace at least the pads every 25,000 miles, 50,000 miles or 75,000 miles. The intervals will be different for everyone. That's why it's always a good idea to have them inspected with each service visit.

Brakes vs. Something Else

Sometimes, a screech or squeal isn't caused by the brakes. It could be a differential, bearings, axle, fan belt, transmission or something else altogether. There are a lot of moving parts in your vehicle. When the car doesn't feel like it's running right or you hear strange sounds, you should bring it to the auto repair experts of Fox Run Auto for a professional opinion.

How Much Does Brake Replacement Cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for this. It depends on which brake components need to be repaired or replaced, if the problem is even the brakes at all. Fox Run Auto will need to inspect and road test your vehicle to identify the problem. Sometimes a more thorough internal inspection or diagnostic tests are recommended to get to the root of an automotive issue. Our service team will walk you through the process, so you know exactly what to expect. Once our ASE Certified auto repair technicians have identified the problem and determined the solution, Fox Run Auto will provide a detailed service recommendation and accurate price quote for parts and labor. That way you can make informed decisions about your brake service and repair, rather than depending on a wild guess over the phone.

If you are experiencing brake issues or think something else may be wrong with your car or truck, call Fox Run Auto today at (302) 597-9205 or schedule a service appointment online. Let us figure out the problem and get you the precise repairs you need.